Glen Ellyn suspect nabbed after home invasion, shooting

A Wheaton man suspected of invading a Glen Ellyn home and threatening two people at gunpoint was taken into custody after police zapped him with a stun gun, authorities said Monday.

Jeffrey Beard, 64, of the 1400 block of Avery Avenue, was charged with home invasion, reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle. He was being held on $1 million bail.

Authorities said Beard was armed when he entered the home about 10:30 p.m. Saturday and confronted a female acquaintance and her boyfriend. At one point, prosecutors said, Beard put a gun to the woman's head. The firearm discharged during a struggle but no one was shot.

About 2 a.m. Sunday, the male victim managed to escape. He immediately flagged down police and then returned to check on the other victim, according to prosecutors. The female victim ran to safety as Glen Ellyn officers and deputies from the DuPage County sheriff's office surrounded the home. Prosecutors said Beard was Tasered as he tried to flee.

"A person's home is their sanctuary where they have every right to feel safe," Berlin said. "It is alleged that Mr. Beard destroyed his victims' sense of security when he decided to arm himself, enter the victim's home and threaten their lives at gunpoint."

Glen Ellyn Deputy Chief Bill Holmer said officers used a Taser only after Beard ignored their commands to surrender.

"It is fortunate that this offender was able to be controlled through the use of a less-lethal device given the fact that he was armed with a handgun," Holmer said in a news release.

He added that Beard was an acquaintance of the female victim, and the attack was "not a random act."

"There is no reason to believe there is a danger to the public based on this incident," he said.

Prosecutors said Beard had been driving a stolen vehicle. In addition to felony charges, he faces misdemeanor charges for battery and firearm ownership violations. His arraignment is Oct. 2 in front of Judge Kathryn Creswell.

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